Textured Raglan Top Knitting Pattern

Textured Raglan Top in Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash

What is Being Made

This is a knitted raglan top designed by Fiona Ellis, featuring a textured construction with lacy patterning throughout. The garment is constructed from the bottom up with set-in raglan sleeves that create clean diagonal lines from the underarm to the neckline. Available in six sizes ranging from extra small (XS) through double extra large (XXL), with finished bust measurements from 33 inches to 51 inches and length to shoulder measurements from 22½ inches to 25 inches. The design showcases a sophisticated blend of stitch textures that create visual interest while maintaining wearability for intermediate knitters.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several intermediate knitting techniques that build foundational skills. The construction begins with a ribbed cuff worked in Mistake Rib, a reversible textured stitch that provides elasticity and structure at the lower edge. The main body transitions into a lacy pattern that incorporates yarn overs and decreases to create an open, textured fabric. Raglan shaping is achieved through strategic increases and decreases worked at marked intervals, requiring careful stitch count management to maintain pattern integrity throughout the garment. The pattern notes emphasize matching increase stitches with corresponding decrease stitches to preserve the total stitch count while shaping the garment. Circular needles are used for finishing the neckline edge, a common technique for creating neat, professional-looking trim on knitted garments.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K): The fundamental stitch creating the base fabric
• Purl (P): Used in ribbed sections and as reverse stockinette rows in the lacy pattern
• Yarn Over (YO): Creates deliberate holes and openness in the lacy pattern sections
• Slip, Slip, Knit (SSK): A left-leaning decrease used to balance yarn overs and create the lacy texture
• Knit 2 Together (K2tog): A right-leaning decrease that pairs with yarn overs for symmetrical lace
• Slip 1, Knit 2 Together, Pass Slipped Stitch Over (Sl1-k2tog-psso): A centered double decrease that creates prominent texture points in the pattern
• Make 1 (M1): An invisible increase used for raglan shaping
• Mistake Rib: A textured ribbed stitch combining knit and purl stitches in an offset pattern that creates visual texture

Materials and Tools

This pattern is designed specifically for Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash, a workhorse yarn for knitters. The yarn is composed of 100% superwash wool, providing durability and easy care through machine washing. Each skein contains 100 grams (3.5 ounces) and yields 220 yards (200 meters) of yardage. The yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 5 skeins for the smallest size (XS) to 9 skeins for the largest size (XXL). The pattern calls for US Size 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles for the main fabric and US Size 7 (4.5 mm) circular knitting needles for finishing the neckline edge. Additional notions include three stitch holders for managing stitches during construction, stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends. The specified color for this design is #287 (Deep Sea Coral), though the pattern structure would work with any yarn of appropriate weight and yardage.

Gauge and Sizing Information

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 24 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in the lacy pattern stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements. The pattern provides six size options with proportional increases in both width and length, allowing knitters to customize the fit. Cast-on stitches range from 98 stitches for the XS size to 152 stitches for the XXL size, with corresponding adjustments to the number of pattern repeats and shaping rows throughout the garment.